Chapter 22
Hereafter
Watchtower
In the watchtower, everyone was busy. It was all hands on deck. It was Ash's birthday and Harleen was doing last minute preparations. She was coordinating everyone. The food, the lights, the music, everything. Everyone was worried that she was overwhelming herself. Serena and Bonnie approached Harleen.
"Harleen, are you okay?" Serena asked. Harleen looked at them with blood shot eyes.
"Yeah I'm fine. But you two need to get back to your stations. We haven't got much time." Harleen said.
"Harleen, everything will be fine. Brock is keeping Ash company until we call him. So they won't be up anytime soon." Bonnie said. Shayera then came by.
"We also have other heroes doing our patrols today so everything will be fine." Shayera said.
"I hope so. This is his first birthday away from his earth and as a superhero. I want it to feel like that everything is normal. There's no world that needs saving, friends are safe." Harleen said. May came over when she saw how stressed Harleen was getting.
"Harleen, you don't have to worry. Do you know why?" May asked. Harleen shook her head. "Because Ash loves you and he will love much thought you have put into this party." Harleen calmed down at this point. She was right. Anytime Harleen did something for Ash, he would always appreciate it since he knows that this is one of the ways of showing him that she loves him.
"Thanks May. I needed to hear that." Harleen said. "Ok, we got a hour before I want Brock to bring Ash up. Let's get everything done and triple check everything." Harleen said as everyone went back to their stations and Harleen checked on the music.
Street
Ash and Brock were walking through a busy high street, with food and drink in their hands. Brock had the task of keeping Ash occupied and away from the watchtower.
"Hey Brock, do you remember the time that I challenged Sabrina at her gym and Haunter kept on disappearing?" Ash asked. Brock shivered at that memory.
"Don't remind me. She was one of the creepiest gym leaders. Also she turned me and Misty into dolls too." Brock said. Ash laughed at his response. But then Brock had a question for Ash. "Ash, do you mind if I ask you something?" Ash looked Brock.
"What is it Brock?" Ash asked.
"What is it like between you and Harleen now that you confessed to each other?" Brock asked. Ash thought about it and honestly, he thought that his relationship with Harleen was going better then ever. They were spending much more time with each other. Ash was hardly at Wayne Manor anymore and Ash and Harley would go on the same missions more often.
"It's one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I never thought I'd be in this kind of place where I'd have a girlfriend before I'm 20." Ash said. "But look how far you coming as well man. You're a doctor now. And we work together on the watchtower like everyone else."
"It's pretty awesome. In a way, coming to this world did everyone a lot of good." Brock said. Ash couldn't argue and smiled at that response. Suddenly there was a explosion in the distance. Ash and Brock saw it. "That looks bad."
"You don't have to tell me twice. We best get to the watchtower and get everyone." Ash said as he pulled out his receiver. Brock had a job of keeping Ash away from the watchtower. But with that explosion, it was too serious for anyone to ignore.
"Ok, let's go." Brock said. Ash nodded and pressed the button. Ash and Brock vanished.
Metropolis
Buildings were damaged and on fire. Cars on the streets had been crushed and even used as weapons. The ground had been heavily damaged. Something fell from the sky and done more damage to the ground. Well, someone. Kalibak. He shook his head and looked angrily at his attacker. Mewtwo. Kalibak jumped up and headed towards Mewtwo. Mewtwo put a barrier up and block the attack but the barrier was damaged. Kalibak was going to punch the barrier again but a flamethrower struck him and pushed him away. Mewtwo looked where the attack came from and saw Ash riding on Moltres. Mewtwo nodded at Ash and flew towards Kalibak, who was fighting Superman and Green Lantern now. Ash looked over and saw Harley and Batgirl were busy getting bystanders out of the area. He then saw Hawkgirl and Diana fighting against livewire. Livewire hit Hawkgirl with lightening and she fell on top of one of the buildings. Livewire then tried to hit Diana, but she blocked the lightening with her bracelet. Diana advanced and hit Livewire. She crashed on top of the same building. Ash approached the building as Diana checked on Shayera.
"Is she ok?" Ash asked. Diana looked at Ash.
"She'll be fine." Diana said. Ash nodded and moved on. Ash then saw Lucario and Pikachu going against Weather Wizard. Weather Wizard had a grin on his face and brought lightening down from the sky. Unfortunately, Pikachu was able to absorb the lightening strike.
"Come on, how is that far?" Weather Wizard asked. He then dodged an aura sphere from Lucario. He started to run and the Pokemon gave chase. As Ash was watching a green beam barely missed him. Moltres flew out of the way and Ash saw where it came from. Toyman was in a giant robot and Flash, Martian and Batman were trying to take it down. Just then a humanoid robot came flying up to Ash.
"It doesn't seem fair that you are missing out on all the fun." Metallo said. Ash recognised the villain and knew this would be a tough match.
"Careful Moltres. This guy means business. Let's take him down fast." Ash said. Moltres cried and flew towards Metallo. Moltres grabbed Metallo with its talons and threw him through a building. Ash and Moltres circled back to see if Metallo was down. Metallo jumped out of the building and punched Moltres in the face. Moltres was falling to the ground but managed to get back into the air before hitting the ground. They met Metallo back in the air.
"That bird can take a punch, I'll give you that." Metallo said. Ash had a smirk on his face.
"Can you stand the heat? Now." Ash said. Moltres fired a flamethrower at Metallo. It hit and the stream of fire was going for 20 seconds. Moltres stopped the attack. Metallo was barely in the air. Significant amount of damage was done since part of Metallo were still melting. Metallo looked at his arm and saw the metal dripping off.
"This is interesting. Superman never caused this much damage before. I'll need to retreat and do repairs on myself." Metallo said. Ash couldn't believe what he heard. Metallo was running away?
"You're not going anyway. You'll pay for the damage you and your team has done." Ash said. Metallo looked to one side and smirked.
"If you chase me then you won't be able to save those two down there." Metallo said. What was he talking about? Ash looked over and saw what he meant. Toyman was aiming his robots weapon at Harley and Batgirl and they haven't noticed it yet. They won't be able to get away in time.
"Moltres go." Ash said. Moltres started to head towards the robot but it was too late. The robot fired the weapon and Moltres wasn't going to intercept the attack in time. Ash only had one option left. He stood on Moltres back, sent aura into his feet and jumped off of Moltres. He was able to get in between the girls and the weapon. But he took the full force. "AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" The shouting caught everyone's attention.
"ASH!!!!" Harley shouted. Ash was in the centre of the energy beam and he was getting torn apart. It kept on going until Ash and the energy vanished. The League couldn't believe it. Ash was dead. The villains took this opportunity to escape. Except Toyman. He was laughing at what happened.
"I took out one of the Justice League. Now, which is next?" Toyman asked. He wasn't going to like what was going to happen.
"YOU'RE NEXT!!" The robots limbs were being crushed into the robot, which caused the control panels to warp. Nothing was working now and Toyman was panicking. The top of the robot was ripped off and Toyman saw Mewtwo floating above him, with murder in his eyes. Mewtwo lifted Toyman out the robot and was face to face with him. "I haven't killed anyone in a long time. But after what you did to Ash, I'll make a exception." Mewtwo said as he used his psychic powers to crush Toyman. But before Mewtwo got too far, he caught sight of someone that needed this more then him. "Actually, it's not my place to make that decision." Mewtwo stopped crushing him and threw him to the ground. Toyman slowly got back up but soon got hit across the face with a bat. Toyman looked and saw Harley with her makeup running down her face.
"I'm going to kill you." Harley said. She hit him again. "Ash was the best thing that ever happened to me." She hit him again. "And you took him away from me." She hit him again. "And now, I'm going to return the favour." She was going on for the final strike but someone caught her bat. She looked behind her and saw Superman caught it.
"Harley, Ash wouldn't want this." Superman said. Harley knew he was right. She dropped the bat and broke down to her knees, crying. Diana and Shayera reached the ground and didn't know what happened.
"Did we win?" Diana asked.
"At a price?" Flash said sadly. The girls looked around and saw everyone looking depressed and Harley on the floor crying. Also Ash was nowhere to be seen.
"Oh no." Diana said as tears began to form in her eyes. They both knew what had happened. Shayera walked over to Harley and knelt down in front of her.
"Harley, please tell me, he's not..." Shayera didn't finished as Harley flung her arms over Shayera and cried onto her. Shayera couldn't believe. Ash, her son, was gone. Her tears came out and she started crying on Harley. The Pokemon gathered with the rest of the league members and bowed their heads for their fallen friend. The Daily Planet helicopter was flying over the scene and caught the whole scene. The whole world knows. Ash Ketchum was dead.
3 Days Later/Ash's Funeral
Everything in the world changed after what happened to Ash. Ash inspired a lot of people and many businesses closed their doors to show their respect. Ash's funeral was at Detroit, where Ash made his heroic debut. The city paid for everything and wanted the very best for Ash. Heroes that knew the league members offered to help out and do their rounds while they go through this hard time. Harley spent most of her time in the Pokemon room since that's the closest she can be to Ash. The Pokemon were a lot less lively and only moved when they wanted food. Batman had not been in the watchtower as he thought Ash was still alive somewhere. The event was televised but only a selected few were allowed to attend the funeral. The League, Ash's friends, The Pokemon, Aquaman, Mera, Rex, Sapphire, Dr Fate, Inza. Harley was looking at the door and saw someone she was hoping would come. Ivy.
"Thank you for coming." Harley said as she hugged Ivy.
"Of course I came. I wasn't going to let you go through this by yourself." Ivy said. Harley looked over Ivy's shoulder and saw someone she didn't want here. Lex Luthor.
"You got some nerve being here. Get out now." Harley said. Ivy reacted quickly and held her back.
"Harley calm down." Ivy said. Superman got between Harley and Luthor and looked him in the face.
"What are you doing here Luthor?" Superman asked.
"I promise, I'm only here to pay my respect." Lex said as he took a seat. Superman gave a him a look saying not today and left him. Superman reached Harley and Ivy.
"You better take your seats now. We're about to start." Superman said. Both of them nodded and took their seats at the front. Everyone saw this and decided to take their seats as well. Superman went to the front and started the eulogy. "I like to thank everyone for coming today and everyone watching. Ash would appreciate all of the respect you have shown. Ash was a extraordinary boy that had a lot potential of being this planets greatest hero. He had been through so much in such a short time. Had made great friends that are irreplaceable members of the league now. And had someone that would spend every second they could with each other. Harley, would like to say your speech?" Harley got up and made her way to the podium. Superman stepped aside.
"Ash. He literally saved my life. As all of you know, I was the Joker's girlfriend and he made me do a lot of dangerous stuff. He didn't care what happened to me. I was unhappy for a long time, but he was the only person showing me attention so I went along. But everything changed when I met Ash. He was reserved when I first talked to him. But when he jumped into action, he was a totally different person. We got to know each other after a while. We went to different planets, we saved each other. My favourite memory was our first date. Ever since then, my love for him only grew. I love him so much and I still do. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. Get married, have kids. I wanted us to have a normal life at some point. But that can nev..." Harley couldn't finish as she was about to have a breakdown. Superman guided her off the stage and back to her seat. Pikachu jumped on her shoulder to comfort her and Ivy held her hand for support. But the most surprising thing that happen was a vine whip came up to Harley's eye and wiped away a tear. When Harley looked over, she saw that it was Bayleef that done it. Harley just gave a nod to her. Superman went back to the podium.
"Now please join us as we set Ash to his final resting place." Superman said as he got off the stage. Everyone got out of their seats and surrounded the coffin in the room. A mixture of Ash's friends and Leaguers carried the coffin out the building followed by everyone else.
Watchtower
Ash's coffin had been laid to rest, under a statue of Ash. After that, there was a minute silence. Now, everyone we're back up in the watchtower. Ash's friends were in the canteen. They left the League alone as they said that they had to make difficult decisions and they didn't want to get in the way. May and Dawn were walking back to the group after checking with Harleen.
"How's she doing?" Tracey asked. May and Dawn sat down at the table.
"She's holding in there. We told her that were all here for her." May said.
"I still can't believe he's gone." Max said. Just then, Mew appeared in a part of the canteen and Hoopa appeared. This caught the groups attention.
"Did you find him?" Hoopa asked. Mew shook her head. "We better keep looking." Mew disappeared and Hoopa went through the golden ring portal again.
"What are they doing?" Lillie asked.
"The Pokemon believe Ash is still alive. So any Pokemon that can travel through space and time are looking for him. Including Mewtwo." Clemont said.
"I wonder how long they keep that up for?" Gary asked.
"I don't know." Misty said. Everyone didn't what to say now. Professor Oak thought it be best to change the topic.
"I remember the day he first got Pikachu. He got up late and showed to my lab in his pyjamas." Oak said. Kate chuckled at this.
"Did he really?" Kate asked. Everyone moods were starting to lift now.
"Kate, even though Ash looks like he knows what he's doing here. But back in our world, he used to get up to all sorts of mischief." Cilan said. Lillie stood up and raised her glass.
"To Ash." Lillie said. Everyone else copied Lillie.
"To Ash."
"To Ash." In the observation deck, The League members, minus Batman, raised their drinks as a sign of respect.
"I hate to say this but we got to start talking about Ash's replacement." Superman said. No one in the room wanted to have this conversation.
"I don't want to talk about that?" Batgirl said.
"No one does but it has to be done." Superman said. "Did anyone talk to Ivy about the position?"
"She said she will help us later on, but wants to stay by Harleen in case she tries something." John said. Everyone understood that statement. With what Harleen is going through, she can be unpredictable now.
"Ok so that means we need to reach someone else." Diana said.
"What about Aquaman? He had a lot of respect for Ash."
"But he takes priority protecting Atlantis over anything. So I suggest we search for better options." Martian said. He then looked a Shayera. "Shayera, do you have any recommendations?"
"No, I refuse to be part of this conversation. We shouldn't be doing this like Ash was expendable." Shayera said. Some of the Leaguers took offence to this.
"We never thought of him like that. We all loved Ash as much as you. And it pains us that this has happened. But Ash would want us to continue and that means the League has to become bigger." Diana said. As she finished, something crashed through the watchtower window. The emergency shutters closed and the vacuum of space had been sealed off. Everyone looked over and saw a heavy metal hover bike with someone standing beside it. Lobo.
"I heard you got an opening now. I'd like to apply." Lobo said. Superman floated in the air.
"Lobo, get out of here. There's no way we would ever put you on this team." Superman said. But Lobo was going to go too far.
"You need me on your team ever since pipsqueak now 6 feet under." Lobo said. He was going to get it now. Shayera charged right in and swung her mace at him. He was knocked back into the control panels. Lobo rubbed his chin and stood back up.
"Oh, it's a audition you want? Well, why didn't you say so?" Lobo asked as he tore the control panel off the floor and threw it at Shayera. Superman and Green Lantern stood in front of Shayera to protect her. But the panel hit all three of them and got knocked down. Batgirl threw her batarangs and Flash races in. Lobo knocked Flash away and then he just stood there as the batarangs just bounced off him. "That tickles." He saw Martian shapeshift into a dragon and charged in. Diana threw her lasso and Lobo caught it. He swung her around and made her clash with Martian. They both collapsed on the floor. Superman ripped through the control panel and looked at Lobo.
"You done it now." Superman said. He flew in ready to punch him. But then, the alarm went off. Martian got up and checked.
"Multiple villains are running amok." Martian said. As soon as he said that, Shayera was already on the move.
"They are going down." Shayera said. Lobo got excited.
"Alright, our first mission. Let's do this." Lobo said as he left the room. Superman wanted to say something but he didn't want to waste time and left with the others.
Ash's Resting Place
Harleen was standing in front of the statue of Ash and his coffin. It was night and the wind has picked up. But she didn't mind, she thought that it was Ash reassuring her that he's still with her. She let out a tear. If she was more aware of her surroundings and noticed Toyman aiming for her, then Ash could of still been with her. Still alive.
"Ash, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault that you're here. I would anything to have you back here. It should be me in your place." Harleen said. But another group heard hear say it too.
"We're sorry for your loss, Miss Quinn." Harleen turned around and saw three figures in trench coats and hats to hide their faces.
"Thank you. Sorry. I thought I was alone." Harleen said. The three figures moved towards the coffin.
"We're here just to say goodbye to an acquaintance." The man said as he laid a rose on top of the coffin. Then he stepped away.
"We'll miss ya, twerp." The small one said. As they were walking away, Harleen stopped them.
"What do you just call him?" Harleen asked. The three stopped and looked at her.
"Please take no offence. That was our nickname for him. Ever since he was 10 years old." The woman said as they left. It took a while for Harleen to click on to what she said. 10 year old Ash would of started his Pokemon journey. Were they from the Pokemon world? Before she could think anymore, her phone went off and when she looked at it, she saw it was Ivy. She answered it.
"Where are you?" Ivy asked.
"I'm at Ash's grave. I just don't know what I am going to do now that he's gone." Harleen said.
"Harleen, you need to get back up to the watchtower. There's an intruder." Ivy said. Harleen hanged up the phone and pulled out her receiver. She pressed the button and vanished.
Unknown Location
Nothing. There was absolutely nothing around in the baron desert. Except for a body. The body of Ash Ketchum. Ash began to stir. He opened his eyes and saw the empty land. Ash slowly got up and looked around. Where was he? Was he in limbo? It would explain why he wasn't hurt from that blast. If he had no feeling in limbo, could he still use his aura? Ash tried to bring up a aura sphere, but only managed to make a flicker. But he didn't see a problem with that. If he was in limbo then nothing can hurt him and he's all by himself. Alone. Which is what Harleen must be feeling right now. Sad, devastated, heartbroken. Ash saved her and he doesn't know if he'll be able to see her again.
"No, there must be a way out of there. Travelling between worlds is possible and Hades was able to get on earth. So travelling between realms is possible. I just need to find a door way. I best start walking to get out of here." Ash said as he set out to find a way back to earth. Ash was determined to see everybody again, be a hero and be by Harleen's side. Ash travelled for 14 hours without rest. But yet, he was getting tired. How is he getting tired if he was dead? But he had other things to worry about. He heard growls. He turned around and saw a pack of mutated wolves advancing on him. The pack stayed in place while the alpha closed nearer to Ash. Ash started to panic as he still didn't have access to his aura. Ash looked at his surrounding to see if he can use anything as a weapon. He saw something that could help. A arrow head stone. Ash gave one last look at the wolf before diving for the stone. The wolf lunges at him.
It was night time and the pack were eating. Next to them was a sled. Near them was a fire and sitting next to the fire was Ash. Eating meat and wearing wolf pelt. The battle was fierce since Ash had three claw marks across his cheek. While he was eating, he realised something. He wasn't dead. He was hungry, he felt pain, he wasn't alone. So the big question is, where is he?
It was the next morning and the wolves were pulling Ash on the sled. They have been running for 4 hours and never had changed. Nothing out of t... wait a minute. Ash sees something in the distance. It looked like, The Watchtower. The tower was halfway in the ground and was heavily damaged. Ash stopped the sled and found a entry point into the tower. Ash looked around. Everything was rusted. Ash thought his best bet would be to get to the observation deck. Ash had to crawl through some tight spaces but made it to the deck. Ash went to the panels and activated the computers. The monitors powered up but not fully, which meant Ash only had a short time to do what he needs to do. "Call the Justice League." Nothing happened. "Call Batman." Nothing. "Superman." Nothing. "Harley." Nothing. "Why isn't this working?"
"It is working, it just can't find them." Ash turned round and saw someone in the shadows. They slowly stepped out and saw Vandal Savage. "A lot of things have changed since you've been gone."
"Vandal." Ash said. He ran up to him and pushed him against the wall. "What are you doing here and where are we?"
"We are in Metropolis. 30,000 years into the future." Vandal said. Ash couldn't believe it. 30,000 years in the future? That means, everyone he knew was dead.
"That doesn't explain why you're here." Ash said.
"Right after you disappeared, I worked on a machine that was powered by a dwarf star, provided by Dr Ray Palmer. I got the machine working and was able to take out the entire Justice League. And with them gone I was able to claim domain over the planet. But something went wrong. The machine went haywire and blew up, taking the rest of humanity with it." Vandal said. He looked at Ash as he was processing this. What was he going to do next? Ash took him off the wall and slammed him on to the floor. Ash was about to punch, but held his fist in the air. Ash held that position for quite a while before getting off of Vandal.
"It's no point. You're immortal so I can't kill you." Ash said. Vandal got up and looked at Ash.
"That is a shame. You killing me would be an end to my suffering." Vandal said. Ash didn't get what he was talking about.
"Suffering?" Ash asked.
Vandal's Mansion
Vandal invited Ash back to his mansion to have dinner. While they were eating, Vandal explained how he had been alone all this time as the sole survivor of earth and how he wanted to die to end his loneliness. After they ate, Ash explores the place for a while and caught sight of a certain spot. Lots of photos of the Justice League. Ash walked towards the photos to have a better look at them. He remembered a lot of them. The alien invasion, the car chase during the Grodd incident, the Justice Lords. There was a lot.
"I see you finally found it." Vandal said, coming up behind Ash.
"Why do you have these?" Ash asked.
"Memories. The Justice League were my only rival during my time trying to take over the world. And now I can only wonder how everything would of turned out if you and the League stopped me." Vandal said. Ash looked at more of the photos. They all looked normal with some without him in it. But then, he saw some with him in it that he doesn't remember. Being in Las Vegas, lots of hawk people. But one stood out the most. His eyes must be playing tricks on him. He grabbed the photo and got a closer look.
"No, there must be something wrong here." Ash said. Vandal didn't know what he was talking about.
"What do you mean?" Vandal asked.
"Some of these haven't happened. Las Vegas, hawk people and this photo, how did you do this photo?" Ash asked.
"What's the problem with that photo?" Vandal asked.
"It's a modern cottage in a big land with me and Harleen and... my mum." Ash said. This shocked Vandal.
"Your mum. But you said your mum was dead in that interview about you and Harley Quinn." Vandal said. Ash nodded. "And these didn't happen to you yet?" Vandal pointing at the other photos. Ash nodded. "How can this be? How is that... unless."
"Unless what?" Ash asked.
"My time machine works." Vandal said as he walked away. Ash followed.
"You have a time machine?" Ash asked.
"Sort of. I started building it a while ago so I could change the past. Then I stopped after I found out that time won't let me go back to a time that I already existed. But with you, it's possible. You disappeared completely from the past so you can go back." Vandal said. Ash got excited.
"That's awesome. Let's do this now." Ash said.
"I'm afraid I can't do that yet." Vandal said. Ash looked confused. "It's mostly done. But it's missing one thing. My zero point generator. Roaches stole it a while ago. Without it, the portal won't stay open long enough for you to make the journey." Vandal said. Ash had to think about this. He had a clear way to get back but had to fight for it. He could think of a plan. But he didn't know the layout of the area. He knew this was a situation where it was do or die.
"Vandal." Ash said. Vandal looked at him. "Let's go get it."
Cockroach Colony
Ash and Vandal were walking through a dark tunnel. Ash was ahead with a self made torch.
"Ok so we grab the generator and run out of here." Ash said. Vandal had to make Ash realise something.
"The generator isn't small. It's going to take the two of us to carry it back." Vandal said.
"Ok, so what's our best case now?" Ash asked.
"The roaches will be out collecting food so we don't need to fight and can go straight back." Vandal said. They both stopped when they heard hissing. They looked around and saw roaches everywhere.
"And this is the worst case?" Ash asked.
"Oh yeah." Vandal said. Ash threw the fire and it hit some of the roaches, causing them to retreat. One of the roaches was about to attack. But Ash quickly threw it over himself and making land on the other side. Vandal punched a roach in the face, the roach went down. A roach tackled Ash to the side. Ash got up and saw the same roach approaching him again. Ash was quick to step to the side and punch the roach in the eye, causing it to retreat. Two more roaches were advancing towards Ash but he hadn't notice them. Vandal was holding a roach off but saw what was happening. "Ash, look out." Ash turned round and the two roaches knocked him down into a pit. Ash kept falling. It was 10 seconds before he hit ground. Ash struggled to get up. He was sore but still able to move. And just by pure luck, the generator was right in front of Ash. Ash couldn't believe. He found the way back to his time. Ash heard Vandal fighting the bugs alone up there. Ash needed his help to get the generator out. But it was going to take him an hour to climb out of the pit. Why are there always obstacles in his way. As he had this thought a blue flare went off. Where did that come from? Could it be? Ash lifted his hand and made a full size aura sphere. Ash can finish this. Vandal was getting overrun by the roaches. He was trying to push them away but they were piling on top of him. Before Vandal got hurt anymore, two of the roaches were missing body parts. Vandal and the roaches looked over and saw Ash with fists glowing blue.
"You bugs are wasting our time." Ash said. All the roaches started to go towards Ash. Then Ash put his hands together and fired a beam at them.
Vandal's Time Machine Room
Ash and Vandal attached the generator and the portal opened. It didn't take Ash long to finish off the roaches. Even though there were a lot of them, they were quite weak. Ash and Vandal carried the generator for 2 hours, right to the time machine. Vandal looked at Ash.
"There you go. On the other side, you'll return where you disappeared." Vandal said. Ash couldn't believe it. He was going to see everyone again.
"Thank you. I don't know how I can repay you." Ash said. Vandal had one request.
"There is a way." Vandal said. Ash looked at him. "When you get back, kill me before I can activate the machine." Ash didn't know what to say. Kill Vandal? "Believe me when I say it is the only way to stop all this."
"No there must be another way." Ash said.
"Trust me, I tried to look for any other way but if you let me live, this world will appear in your near future. So please Ash. Save everyone, save me." Vandal said. Ash took it all in. If Vandal was saying this was the only way, then he had no choice.
"Ok, I'll do it." Ash said. Vandal nodded. He then reached into his pocket and gave Ash the picture of him, Harleen and Delia.
"Here take this as a token of our friendship." Vandal said. Ash took the picture, took one last look at it and put it in his pocket.
"Thank you." Ash said. He then walked towards the portal. Before he stepped into the portal, Ash looked at Vandal. "Goodbye friend." Vandal smiled. Ash walked into the portal and vanished.
Metropolis
The city was damaged from the battle that had happened. Many villains were knocked out from the fighting with the league. After the news of Ash's death came to light, a lot of villains took this opportunity to run amok in the city. But Lobo also caused damage to the city. He had Kalibak under many cars and holding another car above his head.
"Say it, say uncle." Lobo said. Kalibak looked at him, defeated.
"Uncle." Kalibak said.
"I can't hear you." Lobo said. Shayera landed in front of Lobo.
"He's had enough." Shayera said. Lobo threw the car behind him and it hit a nearby building. The other Leaguers came together.
"I was only playing. But not bad for our first mission. Who needs that pipsqueak when you got me?" Lobo asked. The Leaguers put their heads down in sadness, still couldn't believe that Ash wasn't there helping them. With them distracted, no one saw Deadshot aiming a rocket launcher at Batman. He fired it and the rocket was heading for its target. Before it hit, a blue barrier showed up in front of Batman, blocking the rocket. This caught everyone's attention. Then a aura sphere hit Deadshot in the head, knocking him out.
"Did you see that?" Flash asked.
"Is Lucario here?" Diana asked.
"No, he's still on the watchtower." Superman said.
"But then that means." Shayera didn't as she looked in the direction of the aura sphere. Out of the smoke of a fire. Ash slowly revealed himself. Everyone couldn't believe what they were seeing. Before anyone did anything, Ash spoke.
"Miss me?" He was suddenly tackled to the ground with a hug from Shayera.
"Ash. You're back. What happened? How are you here?" Shayera asked.
"Glad to see you too. But I got to say hi to them as well." Ash said, indicating to the other league members. Shayera got up and helped Ash up. Everyone welcomed Ash back and Lobo approached.
"What's up pipsqueak? Great to have you back on the team." Lobo said. Ash looked at him confused.
"Thanks. Who are you?" Ash asked. Before Lobo answered, Superman cut in.
"No one." Superman said. He then looked at Lobo. "You're fired." Superman punched Lobo far away and his bike followed him. Superman then looked back at Ash. "Come on Ash. I'm sure everyone else wants to see you again." But Ash had a promise to keep.
"We need to do one thing first."
Watchtower
Harleen appeared on the teleportation pad with Ivy waiting for her.
"Good you're here." Ivy said as she grabbed Harleen by the wrist and dragged her out of the room.
"Ivy, slow down. Where's this intruder?" Harleen asked. Ivy smiled.
"In the observation deck. Only you can handle this." Ivy said. Ivy shoved Harleen into the room and shut the door behind her. Harleen regained her balance and looked back at the door.
"She could at least help." Harleen said. She was about to get a shock of a life time.
"I think you can handle this by yourself." Harleen eyes were wide open. That voice. It can't be. He's dead. She slowly turned around and saw what she most wished for. Ash. Alive. Harleen slowly walked to Ash.
"Ash, is that you?" Harleen asked
"I thought my name was sweetie." Ash said. Harleen couldn't hold it anymore. She leapt into Ash's arms and they held each other, never wanting to let each other go again. Harleen looked at Ash and noticed the claw marks on his face.
"Ash, what happened to your face?" Harleen asked.
"I'll explain everything after I done this." Ash said as he leaned in and gave Harleen and long, passionate kiss. This was the most special kiss by far as this proves that not even death could keep them apart. When they ended the kiss, they didn't realise that they somehow ended up at Ash's surprise party. They looked around while everyone was cheering for them. "How did we get here and what is this?"
"Flash brought you here." Kiawe said.
"You're welcome." Flash said.
"And this is you birthday party Ash. Harleen set all this up." Lana said. Ash looked at Harleen.
"You did this?" Ash asked. Harleen felt embarrassed at this point.
"Sort of." Harleen said.
"I love you so much Harleen." Ash said as he kissed her again. Ash then looked at everyone. "What are we waiting for, let's party." Everyone cheered. The party went for hours. Everyone catching up with Ash what happened while he was gone. Ash sat down on one of the tables and looked at the photo Vandal have to him. Harleen came over and sat with him.
"Hey sweetie, what you looking at?" Harleen asked. Ash showed her the photo. "It's a photo us. I don't recognise the area. And who's that woman there?"
"My mum." Ash said. Harleen looked at Ash.
"Your mum?" Harleen asked. Ash nodded. "But how's that possible?"
"I don't know. While I was gone, I saw all these pictures that showed the future. And I think this is one of them." Ash said.
"Ash, are you saying?" Harleen asked.
"I'm going to see my mum again." Ash said.
30,000 years later
Vandal was sitting by himself, hoping Ash kept his promise. He suddenly heard laughter. He looked up and saw a faded child run by. Then more people and buildings started to appear until everything was solid. Vandal couldn't believe it. Life was back. He then looked at himself and saw he was vanishing. He said one last thing before he disappeared.
"Thank you my friend."
Harleen's Apartment
Harleen entered her apartment after a long day of emotion. She spent most of her time with Ash during the party. And she was happy that Ash had something to look forward to in the future with his mum. During the party, Ivy came up to the pair of them and said that she was really considering joining the league. Harleen was getting ready to go to sleep. But, she wasn't alone.
"You're finally here." A voice said. Harleen turned and screamed as a bag was put over her head. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!"
Next Time: Wild Cards